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War Hero

A few civilians (Indian civil Service I think) won VC's during the Indian Mutiny. I think there may have also been a couple of VC's awarded to merchant navy officers during WW! but I don't think they are classed as civilian awards as they held temporary RNR commissions.

Clanker

Is the main difference between the VC and GC that the GC can be awarded when the awardee wasn't under fire? For instance, the Marine who dived on a trip wired grenade was awarded the GC. So I guess technically if Ross Kemp had encountered a Zulu type situation, he would have been eligible for the VC.

I thought the distinction between the two was that VCs are awarded for actions in the presence of the enemy. So I guess if a civvy found themselves in the presence of the enemy, they could still be awarded it.

Following the First World War the gallantry awards system was adapted in recognition of the Merchant Navyâs gallant acts in the face of the enemy. The following is a summary of the position achieved regarding military gallantry awards for the Merchant Navy. This position was achieved by recognising the fact that in times of war the Merchant Navy was in as much, if not more danger than the Royal Navy and that conditions were often indistinguishable.

Victoria Cross Merchant Navy personnel became eligible by Royal Warrant dated 22 May 1920.
Distinguished Service Order Merchant Navy personnel became eligible by Royal Warrant dated 8 March 1943.
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Merchant Navy Personnel became eligible by an Order in Council dated 17 September 1942.
Distinguished Service Cross Merchant Navy personnel became eligible by an Order in Council dated 18 May 1931.
Distinguished Service Medal Merchant Navy personnel became eligible by an Order in Council dated 17 September 1942.
Mentions in Despatches Merchant Navy Personnel received Certificates of Mentions in Despatches during the Second World War. Furthermore they were entitled to wear the âMentions in Despatches Emblemâ for a Kingâs Commendation for Brave Conduct.